Shure SLXD Wireless Microphone System

The Shure SLX-D Wireless Systems represent Shure’s entry-level offering in the professional wireless audio market. Shure’s objective is to deliver high-quality, 24-bit digital audio and reliable RF performance that is suitable for diverse environments, including lecture halls, places of worship, and performance venues. Furthermore, the system is equipped with a range of features while maintaining an intuitive setup process.

Shure has exceeded expectations due to its impressive feature set, robust construction, and exceptional reliability. Consequently, what distinguishes the SLX-D as an exceptional value for its price? Let us delve into several key points that warrant attention.

Build Quality

Overall, the build quality of the SLX-D systems impresses me. The receivers, including the rack ears, are made of metal and feel substantial. I am not a fan of plastic receivers, so I appreciate the solid construction. Additionally, they have a sleek appearance, which looks great when rack-mounted together. The included BNC cables are durable and of good quality, and the antennas feel sturdy.

The handheld microphones are also metal, giving them a solid and reliable feel in your hand. The switches operate smoothly without any issues, and they are recessed to prevent accidental activation while handling the mic. The screens on both the receivers and transmitters are excellent; they are crisp and very easy to read, even in dark venues!

Ease Of Use

Having experience with wireless systems, I wasn't concerned about my ability to use the SLX-D system when I first received it. My intuition came true as when powering the system on for the first time, I found out how user-friendly the system is. The receiver's menus are well-organized, much better than those of other wireless systems I have used. The scroll wheel is intuitive; you use it to navigate the menu and push it to make a selection. I was set up and ready to go in no time.

The SLX-D system features a fantastic input gain indicator that shows the optimal gain level, making it easy to achieve good gain structure. This setting is saved automatically, so when you turn the system off and on again, it remembers your last configuration.

Scanning for available frequencies is straightforward. After navigating the menu for just a couple of seconds, you'll find the option to set up your frequencies. Once you scan, syncing the transmitters to the receivers is incredibly quick—just one second, and my body pack or handheld microphone is synced up.

Networking features

One of the key features that attracted me to the SLX-D systems is their seamless integration with the Wireless Workbench program. This is impressive, especially considering the price point. Setting it up was actually quite straightforward. I use the NETGEAR GS105 network switch and a small Ethernet to USB-C adapter for my MacBook, and everything works perfectly.

When I connect both my dual receiver and single-channel receiver to the network switch, and then plug the switch into my MacBook, Wireless Workbench automatically detects my systems. From there, I can scan the area using any of my Shure SLX-D receivers and coordinate my wireless systems effectively.

Wireless Workbench is an optional addition. The SLX-D systems work entirely standalone, allowing users to scan, rename, alter gain structure, sync and more directly from the unit.

Interchangeable Capsules

The Shure SLX-D series has introduced a feature previously exclusive to higher-end Shure wireless systems: interchangeable capsules for handheld microphones. This enables the utilisation of a diverse range of Shure wireless capsules, including:

- SM58 Capsule

- Beta58A Capsule

- Beta87A Capsule

- Beta87C Capsule

- SM86 Capsule

- SM87A Capsule

- VP68 Capsule

- KSM8 Capsule (available in nickel and black)

- KSM9 Capsule

- KSM9HS Capsule (available in black or gold)

- Nexadyne 8/C Capsule

- Nexadyne 8/S Capsule

Furthermore, other microphone manufacturers such as SE Electronics, Earthworks Audio, Austrian Audio, and Telefunken offer wireless microphone capsules compatible with Shure wireless systems. This augments your sound capture capabilities.

Wireless Latency

If you recall my previous blog post on Analogue vs Digital Wireless Systems, you will remember that analogue wireless systems consistently outperform digital systems in terms of latency. However, the latency we are discussing is extremely minimal, to the extent that the human ear is incapable of perceiving it. Shure asserts that their SLX-D systems achieve a latency of approximately 3.2 milliseconds. It is important to note that this latency is measured in milliseconds, which is a very small unit of time. While other equipment, such as mixing desks, may also introduce some latency, it will not accumulate significantly. In most cases, the latency introduced by these devices will not exceed 4 or 5 milliseconds.

Wireless Performance

I have extensively utilised my own Shure SLX-D systems in various settings, ranging from intimate, low-ceiling clubs equipped with small, analog-based sound systems to large venues with capacities of 3,000 to 4,000 people, complete with extensive digital desks, monitor engineers, and flown line array rigs. In all of these environments, I have not encountered any issues with the latency or dropouts. The SLX-D wireless system implements 24 bit digital audio, which offers better sound quality and RF stability.